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Time managementKeep it together and get things done! |
by Judianne Jayme
For those who may not know, I am glad to say that I also do event reviews for the Pilipino Express, and have recently been part of the team that has launched the Filipino Media Foundation Canada (FilMedia). The intent of doing these has been based on my own interests in connecting the community to groups, events and services that are available to them. Essentially, I’m doing what I do in this column (specifically for education), but in a broader sense of local organizations, talents, and events.
When I am on location at various events for FilMedia, particularly at this year’s Philippine Heritage Week, one question kept coming up from members of the community:
“How do you find the time to do this all and teach during the day?”
The first time I was asked, I sincerely had to pause and reflect, as it was something I had never really thought about. I just did it, without hesitation. I’ve come to a realization that, as cliché as it may sound, when you truly love what you do (and do things with purpose), you don’t notice how much you are really doing.
I have shared this sentiment with my students, some of who have seen me at these after-school community events. A good chunk of the students in my classroom have been highly involved in extra-curricular activities. Granted that children generally have more energy than I have, it still made a lot of sense to me. When you love what you do, the source of energy is not in question. It comes from the heart. You do it because you want to, and because it’s truly meaningful for you.
Like my students, however, I had to learn to adjust my schedule accordingly. I began to prioritize my daily tasks. I made lists. I put things in order of necessity. Things that were not as important in the grander scheme of my week were easily axed or rescheduled. Laundry could wait one more day when it’s not as busy, but those report card sample comments need to be done pronto! I had to allow myself dedicated times for physical activity or meditation. Mental health is crucial when you want to be productive, for work, and for errands. I was a woman running on adrenaline and passion, but structured in a schedule that pushed me to be disciplined with how I spend my time and energy.
I am proud to say that my obligations were met, I did not need time extensions, and I was able to reach my goal through FilMedia. In doing this, and openly sharing my strategies with my students, I have found that they, too, have been inspired to become aware of their time. This is a habit that I feel anyone could truly benefit from.
Parent tip: Modelling time management
Nothing is impossible. The word itself can be broken up to “I’m Possible.” We have the same hours per day as anyone else on this planet – it’s how we choose to spend it. Be a role model for your child by scheduling your time wisely. Show them how time management is an effective way to get things finished and to reach goals.
Even more important, now that it is officially summer break, schedule quality time as a family to bond and/or to be active!
On that note of summer break, I shall make my graceful exit. I would love to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported my column thus far. Your feedback has been an integral part of my personal and professional development as an educator, and I am so honoured to have been a part of this newspaper’s staff since November.
I will return in the fall, with my second season of “Empowering Through Education.” Maraming salamat po, merci beaucoup, and thank you to Pilipino Express and to my readers (both new, and regulars) for all your support as I conclude my first year of this column! Stay tuned for my return in September. And until then, keep up to date with me and local events by following Fil Media Foundation Canada on Facebook!
Have a safe and fun summer, folks!
Judianne Jayme is an educator teaching sixth grade in the Winnipeg School Division.